Ex-Pemex chief seeking bail, extradition hearing

Published 5:30 am, Wednesday, July 17, 2002

The U.S. government says it needs more time to consider Mexico's request for extradition of a high-profile Mexican fugitive living in Houston.

Rogelio Montemayor, the former head of Pemex, the Mexican state oil company, is expected to appear in federal court today to ask for bail and an extradition hearing. He is a key figure in an alleged campaign-funding scandal in Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Michael Shelby has asked for dismissal of the request for bail, calling it "premature" because the government is not ready to begin extradition proceedings.

Montemayor is wanted in Mexico on embezzlement charges stemming from allegations that millions of dollars were funneled from Pemex to a presidential candidate in 2000.

On May 21, the Mexican government sent a diplomatic note to Washington officially requesting Montemayor's arrest to face extradition.

Jill Stillman, spokeswoman for the Department of Justice, said U.S. officials are aware of Mexico's request and of complaints in the Mexican media that Washington is mishandling the case. "We're doing all we can to resolve this matter," she said.

Montemayor appeared in court July 1 to request an extradition hearing.

He contends the legal process has become too politicized in Mexico, and that he stands a better chance to have the facts considered if he goes to court first in the United States.

His attorney, Mike DeGeurin, said that if the bail request is dismissed, it will be filed again once the government finishes processing Mexico's extradition request.